Traveling to Europe is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking. It's far enough from home that you don't want to be caught without something important and different enough that it can be hard to guess exactly what those important things are. For the most part, though, the things you should take to Europe are the things you use every day. And a passport.

Tickets

The first thing you'll use on your trip to Europe is probably a plane ticket. Since airfare within Europe can be inexpensive, it often makes sense to choose the cheapest ticket you can find to a major European city, even if you plan to travel on to another destination immediately.

If you plan to see a lot of Europe in one trip, you may also want to buy a rail pass, which is often the most affordable way to travel between regions.

Passport

All U.S. citizens entering European countries need passports. For normal travel purposes in the EU, no visa is required. Americans traveling to Turkey need a visa, but it can be purchased at the border. Russia and Belarus also require visas, which must be obtained in advance.

Money

Credit and ATM cards are handy for traveling abroad, because you don't have to change any money. Credit cards, especially Visa (Visa.com) and MasterCard (MasterCard.com) are accepted throughout Europe. Some European countries are in the process of switching to a system of cards requiring microchips, but in most cases there is an alternative, such as a nearby cashier who can run the transaction manually.

In a few cases it may not be possible to pay by card, which is one reason it's always good to have some cash on hand, too. You can get local currency -- euros, in most cases -- from an ATM, or from a currency exchange in the U.S. or Europe.

Backup Money and Documents

Some travelers like to carry money and documents in a money belt or pouch that can be worn underneath clothing. That's not strictly necessary, but it is a very good idea to keep spares of important items in an alternate location. For example, a spare credit card, a traveler's check or money stash, a copy of your passport and plane tickets and an alternate ID like a driver's license should be carried in a different place than your wallet, and possibly left in your hotel if it seems secure.

Clothing

Packing light is a good idea, so versatile clothes are best. A few tops and skirts or pants that are neutral enough to be appropriate in different situations can get you a long way. Accessories to dress your outfits up or down, plus a couple of sweaters or jackets round out the basics. The weather can vary a lot throughout Europe, so light layers are very appropriate. Good walking shoes are essential, too.

Toiletries

You may prefer to buy toiletries in Europe, especially if you're packing light or flying with your suitcase as a carry-on, in which case the fluids you can bring will be restricted. On the other hand, your preferred brands may not be available in Europe. European hotels often have shared, minimal bathrooms facilities, so a supply of your own soap and a universal stopper for sinks and bathtubs are worth having. A pair of slippers or shower shoes is also something to consider.

Other personal items to be sure to have plenty of are medications and contacts or glasses. Packing extras is often worth it, if only for the peace of mind.

Gadgets

You will almost certainly want to bring a camera, plus a charger or extra film and batteries.

A smartphone can come in handy, since besides taking pictures it can store information, access wireless internet, work as an alarm clock and provide entertainment. However, roaming charges for calls and data in Europe can be very high, so use phones with caution.

Adapters

For a camera charger or any other electronics, you will need an adapter, because plugs are different in Europe. The UK also uses a different style of plug than continental Europe, so you might need two.

Most travel devices like cameras, phones and laptops can run on the different voltage levels found in Europe, but other appliances like hair dryers can require a converter in addition to the adapter.

Guidebook

A guidebook should tell you about things to see and do, but it's also important to choose one with good maps and a phrase section if traveling to countries where you don't speak the language well. For trips through many different countries, a general European guidebook is often sufficient, and can save you some space. To save even more space, tear out the sections for countries you don't plan to visit, or use digital guides on a smartphone.

Something to Do

Even in Europe, traveling can mean lots of extra down time. Bring a good book, or two, or a sketch book or journal to document your experiences.

Resources

About the Author

Laura Gee has a B.A. in history and anthropology, but now spends more time blogging and producing web content. She has worked and/or trained as an illustrator, crafter, caterer, yoga teacher, child-care provider and massage therapist, and she loves to travel when she gets a chance.